Lady Macbeth Corruption Essay

The Catalyst of Corruption: Lady Macbeth's Role in "Macbeth"

William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a tragedy replete with themes of ambition, power, and moral corruption. Within the narrative, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth play pivotal roles in the descent into evil. However, it must be emphasized that Lady Macbeth proved to be the prime catalyst for the nefarious occurrences that followed. Via her manipulation and influence, she sets Macbeth on the path to murder and tyranny. Arguably, this essay contends that Lady Macbeth is the greatest proponent of evil in the play because of the following actions and words in Acts 1 and 2: her manipulation, ruthless determination, and long-lasting influence on Macbeth form a lethal dosage that propels the

She taunts, "When you durst do it, then you were a man; / And to be more than what you were, you would / Be so much more the man" (Act 1, Scene 7). In this line, for instance, Lady Macbeth connects masculinity to murder. She works on the insecurity as well as pride of Macbeth when she questions his courage and manliness. She thus forces him to accept the assassination by playing on these emotions. All this also probably shows how she exerts great control on Macbeth; somebody may even prove that she played the major role in Duncan's murder. She confirms leaving the rest up to her by making Macbeth feel less of himself and satisfying his wishes to prove his manhood. This influences Macbeth to engage in his worst

After Duncan is murdered, she yells at Macbeth for his guilt and second-guessing, saying, "My hands are of your color; but I shame / To wear a heart so white". This quotation exemplifies how strong Lady Macbeth is, contrasted to Macbeth being weak. Her assertion of their blood-stained hands but her unyielding heart proves that while both are implicated, it is the latter, or Lady Macbeth's unyielding resolve, that rushes them on. In this speech, Lady Macbeth dismisses Macbeth's fear and guilt, pushing home her practical, worldly approach to the crimes, once again placing her more strongly in the partnership. Her cold hearted practicality is once more drawn upon in her assurance that "A little water clears us of this deed: / How easy is it, then!" Act 2, Scene 2. The very belittling of the seriousness of the crime made by Lady Macbeth shows her pragmatic stand in the situation. In trying to allay the fears of Macbeth with practical solutions, she again takes the role of the more dominant and influential partner in the criminal partnership. This reassurance thus played the important role of enabling Macbeth continue with their descent into evil. Her cool and reasoned behavior is in sharp contrast to Macbeth, who is panic-stricken and overstained with remorse. This also shows her control over the entire situation, as well as that of Macbeth. The scenes between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth in